smarmy

adj

Etymology: From smarm + -y. Apparently coined by "B.R.L., of Brighton" with sense "saying treacly things which do not sound genuine" in a competition for neologisms in The Academy (London) published on 14 January 1899.

1. Falsely earnest, smug, ingratiating, or pious.

   “a smarmy salesman with a big smile”

   “Starring a smarmy dog and scores of hapless flying wildfowl, Duck Hunt was the game that introduced many to the joys of the NES Zapper lightgun.”

2. Unctuous, greasy, as hair from pomade.

   “He looked faintly loutish, with smarmy hair and a hint of a moustache.”

   “I pulled on my smarmy t-shirt and my ragged jeans and dragged myself to report to my supervisor.”